Jobs & RFPs

Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) is seeking proposals from qualified evaluators to conduct an evaluation of two legal technology projects: a student loan project and a debt relief project.

We wish to do an evaluation of these projects because PLA, with LSC funding, has invested significant resources in Upsolve over the last eight years, but we have never conducted a third-party evaluation of the effect of that investment. It would be helpful to have the impressions of an outside party to determine if funding the expansion of services of Upsolve has resulted in significant social return on investment or other benefits. If it has, it may be worthwhile to fund additional expansion, as well as to fund other legal-tech organizations that provide “pro se assistance” at scale. There is no existing logic model or framework for evaluation. The evaluator will have the discretion to develop a framework and methods that are appropriate for the circumstances and the budget. The evaluation will be backward-looking in part and forward-looking in part. Much of the software development work under the projects has been completed, although the tools that Upsolve has developed continue to be used and data continue to be collected. The evaluator will have the full cooperation of PLA and Upsolve to conduct the evaluation. The evaluator will work directly with Upsolve to gather information for the evaluation.

The primary deliverable is a written report of findings. The audience for the report is PLA and LSC. 

Proposals should address the following:

1. A brief overview summary of the project evaluation services to be rendered;
2. A general description of the evaluator’s approach to evaluation projects;
3. Three references;
4. If possible, provide examples (or descriptions) of prior project evaluations provided.
5. All-inclusive fee (suggested range: $45,000-$60,000)

In selecting an evaluator, PLA will examine factors, including but not limited to:

1. The extent to which the response addresses the needs described above;
2. Qualifications and experience in performing comprehensive project evaluation services; and
3. Total cost for providing services.

Full details are provided in the attached RFP document.

The deadline for proposals is 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on September 19, 2025.